Image Credits: SheaMoisture Instagram
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The best hair lotion for dry, brittle, and just plain difficult hair starts at just $11.
As I quarantine at home in California, I’ve been experimenting with all sorts of different beauty treatments, from press-on nails to under eye masks. My latest discovery has been hair lotion. It may sound a little strange to put cream on your hair, but it’s actually a great way to replenish moisture, prevent breakage, and achieve just the right amount of shine. Personally, I use Authentic Beauty Concept’s Hydrate Lotion, which is formulated with mango and basil for softer, healthier-looking hair.
I apply the lotion to my damp hair after showering, focusing on my dry roots and scalp. I let my hair air-dry afterwards and repeat the treatment up to three times per week. The best part has to be how amazing my hair smells afterwards (slightly tropical without being too in-your-face), but I also love how effectively this product has hydrated my hair. And if you’re worried about your hair becoming a greasy mess, don’t be. I experience no excessive shine even with my frequent use of Hydrate Lotion.
RELATED: How I Fixed My Dry, Damaged Hair In Three Weeks
What Does Hair Lotion Do To Your Hair?
There are many factors that strip away hair’s natural moisture – dry climates, styling tools, salon treatments, hormonal fluctuations, and the chemicals in some shampoos, for instance. That’s where hair lotion comes in, protecting you from future breakage and dryness while also addressing the damage that’s already been done. If you struggle with dry, brittle tresses and nothing seems to be doing the trick, you’re an excellent candidate for moisturizing hair cream.
Hair lotions are formulated for many different hair types and concerns. You can use the treatment to target issues from brittleness to dry scalp. If you have fine hair, you can snap up a thickening lotion. And if you have curly hair, you can use a detangling lotion to make styling your hair more manageable.
Below, we rounded up the best hair lotions whether you have natural, heat styled, or salon-highlighted hair. These lotions add moisture and shine where it’s needed and have many five-star reviews backing them up. So if you’re like me and have no plans of heading to a salon anytime soon, keep your tresses in tip-top shape with these much-loved products.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 6 Image Credits: Ulta
Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Lotion
This Hydrate Lotion is a powerhouse, serving up many key benefits including fighting frizz, hydrating and soothing hair, and protecting hair from heat damage.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I don’t feel comfortable going to the salons because of COVID, so this hair lotion has been my savior. My dry, brittle hair is returning back to its original state.
2 of 6 Image Credits: Sephora
Best Hydrating Hair Lotion
Mizani Scalp Care Calming Dry Scalp Lotion
This dry scalp lotion has a lightweight formula full of natural ingredients like eucalyptus, avocado oil, and aloe vera. It works well for addressing dandruff and itchy, irritated scalps.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It’s a nice treatment to relieve your dry, irritated scalp quickly without messing up your current style.
3 of 6 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Hair Lotion for Dry Scalp
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil
If you regularly color or hydrate your hair, odds are you’re probably no stranger to breakage. This oil-based lotion is full of organic shea butter, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint to prevent damage and fortify your hair for the future.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This product moisturizes my hair, making it softer and more manageable.
4 of 6 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Hair Lotion for Strengthening
ORS Olive Oil Incredibly Rich Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion
Hair care is a delicate balance: You want your hair to look shiny, but not so shiny that it appears greasy or sticky. This olive oil-based hair lotion includes castor oil for strengthening, preventing breakage, and adding the optimal amount of shine.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This product keeps my hair healthy and gives it a beautiful shine.
5 of 6 Image Credits: Sephora
Best Hair Lotion for Adding Shine
MoroccanOil Thickening Lotion
This volumizing hair lotion is designed for fine to medium hair to increase dimension and fullness by strengthening each strand. It’s free of parabens and contains green tea leaves and argan oil to enhance your hair health.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
In addition to smelling amazing, this lotion makes my hair feel and look thicker and more full.
6 of 6 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Hair Lotion for Thickening
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Creamy Hair Lotion
This creamy hair lotion caters to three categories of textured hair: wavy, curly, and coily. It defines and detangles curls while preventing frizz, is paraben- and sulfate-free, and contains shea butter.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This product has a wonderful scent and is neither too heavy nor too thin. I find that a little bit goes a long way on my fine, curly hair.
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